Religious Studies with Philosophy A level 3

For students applying from other schools please see the information below.

For existing students at OPGS - you will be applying internally and will receive separate instructions

Applications Open - 11th December 2025

Applications Close - 30th January 2026

Entry Requirements:-

Students achieving a minimum of at least six GCSEs (9 – 5) of which at least four are at a grade 6 (or equivalent).

In addition, students must meet subject entry requirements, which in most cases require a minimum of Grade 6 in the subject to be studied, or related subjects. Some subjects will require a grade 7 or higher. Please see school website (https://www.opgs.org) for entry requirements needed for individual A level subjects.

Students must also achieve a minimum of a grade 5 in English Language and Mathematics.

Typically, we would expect students following essay-based subjects to gain at least a grade 6 in English Language and students following scientific courses to gain at least a grade 7 in Mathematics.

The school shall determine which grades at 6 are required when A level subjects requested have not been taken at GCSE Level.

Priority will be given to existing pupils transferring from Year 11 who meet the entrance criteria

How to Apply

Students should select three or four A level subjects and include a 4th/5th as a reserve subjects. Please list your subjects in priority order and indicate which is your reserve choice.

Subject Choice

In choosing your subjects for A level you need to find out about the syllabus, examination requirements, coursework and the approach to study. Choose subjects that interest you and think carefully about the range and combination of subjects you would like to study. You may also wish to consider requirements for Higher Education or career paths.

Students should also note that the school cannot guarantee courses will run if there are not enough applicants. It is also possible that, in some subjects, numbers will have to be limited.

This qualification is designed to develop a greater understanding and appreciation of religious beliefs and teachings, as well as the disciplines of ethics and philosophy of religion. Learners will develop their skills of critical analysis in order to construct balanced, informed arguments and responses to religious, philosophical and ethical ideas.

Component 01: Philosophy of religion

Students study philosophical language and thought, and issues and questions raised by belief:

• Ancient philosophical influences

• the nature of the soul, mind and body

• Arguments about the existence or non-existence of God

• The nature and impact of religious experience

• The challenge for religious belief of the problem of evil

• Ideas about the nature of God

• Issues in religious language.

Component 02: Religion and ethics

Students explore key concepts and the works of influential thinkers, ethical theories and their application:

• Normative ethical theories

• The application of ethical theory to two contemporary issues of importance

• Ethical language and thought

• Debates surrounding the significant idea of conscience

• Sexual ethics and the influence on ethical thought of developments in religious beliefs

Component 03: Developments in the religious thought of CHRISTIANITY

• Religious beliefs, values and teachings, their interconnections and how they vary historically and in the contemporary world

• Sources of religious wisdom and authority

• Practices which shape and express religious identity, and how these vary within a tradition

• Significant social and historical developments in theology and religious thought

• Key themes related to the relationship between religion and society

There are 3 examinations for Religious Studies.

Each examination is 2 hours.

Each examination is worth 33⅓%

1. Philosophy of religion (01)

2. Religion and ethics (02)

3. Developments in religious thought (06)

Six 9-5 GCSE grades with at least four at grade 6

A minimum of a grade 5 in English Language and Mathematics

Grade 6 at GCSE or Grade 6 in either GCSE History or GCSE Geography

Typically, we would expect students following essay-based subjects to gain at least a grade 6 in English Language and students following scientific courses to gain at least a grade 7 in Mathematics.